Buccal Fat Removal

Many patients wish for thin cheeks and well-defined cheekbones. However, due to genetics and the natural way that we store fat, the cheeks can be a difficult area to change. New Image Plastic Surgery offers buccal fat removal to help patients slim their cheeks and enhance their features.

Before and After Photos

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What is Buccal Fat Removal?

Buccal fat removal is a personalized procedure that aims to reduce fat in the cheeks and midface area. The procedure can be performed alone to slim the face but is often used in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures like facelift, blepharoplasty, or chin augmentation. The procedure involves surgery inside the mouth to ensure completely concealed scarring.

Benefits of Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal can help you achieve a more contoured facial appearance by removing excess fat from the cheeks. Some people are naturally born with large buccal fat pads, which can give the cheeks a chubby appearance even if you are in good shape. By achieving a slimmer face, patients can also rejuvenate a more youthful appearance. Another benefit of buccal fat removal is that it is a minimally invasive procedure so there is no visible scarring and a fairly short recovery period.

Who is a Candidate for Buccal Fat Removal?

Candidates for buccal fat removal (sometimes known as cheek reduction) are those who are unhappy with chubby cheeks or a rounded facial shape. Patients often choose the buccal fat removal procedure if they are already having a different facial procedure and want to enhance their results for optimal facial sculpting. To be a successful candidate, patients should first be at a stable weight and be in generally good health. Patients must be prepared for minor surgery with some downtime.

Preparing for Buccal Fat Removal Surgery

Before buccal fat pad removal, patients must be in good health. If you are a smoker, you must stop smoking for at least six weeks before surgery. You should stop taking blood-thinning medication two weeks before surgery if it is safe and limit your alcohol consumption in the days leading up to surgery. To prepare for your recovery, we recommend that you stock up on ice packs and pre-made or easy-to-make dinners.

The Procedure

To begin buccal fat removal, anesthesia will be administered to ensure patient comfort. An incision will then be made inside the mouth, in the inner portion of the cheek. Buccal fat removal can also sometimes be performed through a facelift incision. Excess buccal fat pads will then be removed to slim and sculpt the face. Sutures will be used to close the incisions within the mouth. This procedure typically takes under an hour to complete.

Recovery

After buccal fat removal, patients can expect some facial swelling for the first several weeks. Patients will need to be on a soft food diet for the first few days following surgery. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for three weeks. Once swelling has diminished, patients will begin to notice thinner, more contoured cheeks.

Long-Lasting Results of Buccal Fat Removal

This procedure permanently removes the buccal fat pad to ensure long-lasting results. Patients can enjoy a narrower facial contour that accentuates the cheekbones and jawline for a well-defined facial contour.

Combining Buccal Fat Removal with Other Procedures

Buccal fat removal can be combined with many other facial procedures for more dramatic changes to your overall look. If you want to address signs of aging, a facelift, brow lift, or neck lift can be included with your procedure. If you want to accentuate other areas of the face and create better harmony, a lip lift, rhinoplasty, or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) can be combined with buccal fat pad removal. At your consultation, we will discuss your goals and concerns to create a personalized combination treatment plan.

Reversibility and Adjustments of Buccal Fat Removal

Buccal fat removal cannot be reversed since the fat pads are completely removed. However, volume can be added back into the cheeks using a fat transfer or dermal fillers if you find that your cheeks are too hollow after surgery.

Impact of Buccal Fat Removal on Your Smile

Buccal fat removal will not affect your smile. If you have dimples, these will also not be affected. However, some patients find that their smile lines are less noticeable after the procedure, which adds another anti-aging benefit to this procedure.

Schedule a Consultation for Buccal Fat Removal in San Antonio, TX

To learn more about buccal fat removal and to start customizing your facial rejuvenation treatment, contact our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom.